by Hafizur Rahman
Maungdaw, November 2, 2025 — Around 100 members of the Arakan Army (AA) carried out a search operation on October 27 in Thu U Lar and Dar Gyi Zar villages in northern Maungdaw Township, according to local residents.
During the operation, villagers from Thu U Lar were gathered at the local school while AA troops searched their homes and belongings. Locals said that the AA arrested one Rohingya man, identified as Abdul Hussain, son of Mohammod Toyub, from Tharay Aok Dar Gyi Zar village, and took him away.
The search was reportedly conducted with the assistance of newly appointed Rohingya village administrators who are aligned with the AA. These new appointees have replaced the previous Rohingya village committees that had been managing community affairs across northern and southern Maungdaw.
Community members confirmed the arrest and expressed concern over the growing fear among residents. They described the incident as unjust and said that such actions by the AA are creating more insecurity and tension in the region.
“We live in constant fear,” one resident said. “The AA arrests people without reason, and no one feels safe anymore.”
Local leaders and residents have urged the AA leadership and the international community to intervene, stop such human rights violations, and ensure peace and safety for all civilians living under AA-controlled areas in northern Arakan State.
